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How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
If you’re like most homeowners, your water heater is something you don’t think about until it stops working. But could you be missing signs that indicate it’s time for a new one? Knowing when to replace your water heater can save you money and headaches in the long run. This blog will look at seven ways to know when it’s time for a replacement.
No Hot Water
One of the obvious signs that your water heater is ready to retire is if there is no hot water. It could be due to thermostat problems, lack of maintenance over the years, or simply because the tank has reached the end of its life span. Consider replacing your unit if you have no (or only lukewarm) hot water.
Strange Noises
A tank-style water heater will make some noise as the tank heats up and cools down; this is normal. However, if you start hearing loud rumbling noises or high-pitched squeals coming from your tank, this could mean that sediment has built up inside and needs to be cleared out or replaced.
Age and Efficiency
Most tanks last for 10-15 years by design. If your tank is older than fifteen years, it may need to be fixed and cost more in electricity bills over time than investing in a new one would save in energy costs. Additionally, more unique tanks have higher efficiency ratings than older models, which can lead to significant savings on utility bills.
Rust-Colored Tap Water
Rust-colored tap water is one of the telltale signs that corrosion has started inside the tank, leading to decreased efficiency and a shorter life span over time. Replacing your unit before erosion becomes too severe can help prevent future problems and save money on energy costs in the long run.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup occurs naturally over time as minerals build up on the bottom of the tank due to hard water conditions. These deposits can reduce efficiency by acting as insulation and preventing heat transfer between the gas burner/electric heating element and the water in the tank. It will also reduce hot water output pressure and shorten its lifespan without proper maintenance, including flushing out sediment buildup regularly throughout its lifetime.
Leaking Tank
If you notice leaking from around or underneath your tank, there is likely a crack somewhere inside that you shouldn’t ignore. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur, leading to further repairs down the road, so replacing sooner rather than later is recommended here too.
High Energy Bills
If your energy bills are unusually high compared to what they usually were before then, this could also signify an issue with either sediment buildup or corrosion inside, reducing efficiency over time and resulting in higher energy costs every month. Replacing your unit before these issues worsen should help reduce those monthly expenses again.
Knowing when to replace a water heater isn't always easy, but knowing warning signs can ensure that yours keeps running smoothly for many years. Regular maintenance, including flushing out sediment buildup every few months, can help extend its life even further, so remember to take care of yourself properly too.